Fire to host Aston Villa in July

Coach Frank Klopas and the Fire will host Aston Villa on July 21. (Nuccio DiNuzzo/Tribune Photo)

The Chicago Fire will host an English Premier League club for the second straight season when seven-time champion Aston Villa visits Toyota Park on July 21.

The international friendly, the first meeting between the two clubs, also will serve as homecoming for two locals who once played for the Fire Premier League team.

Aston Villa defender Eric Lichaj, from Downers Grove, is also a member of the U.S. national team and played from 2000-03 with the Chicago Magic club program.

Goalie Brad Guzan, an Evergreen Park native, starred at Providence Catholic High School and South Carolina and also spent two seasons with the Fire reserves.

Last summer, the Fire hosted Manchester United in a 3-1 loss in front of 61,000 fans at Soldier Field. The Fire has a 2-1 record against Premier League teams, beating Everton FC 2-0 in 2008 and Derby County 1-0 in 1999.

The Fire will be Aston Villa's third Major League Soccer opponent. Aston Villa beat Toronto 4-2 and the Columbus Crew 3-1 during a U.S. swing in 2007.

Established in 1874, Aston Villa has won seven Premier titles and seven FA Cups. It is a founding Premier League member.

Advance tickets go on sale Wednesday. The game is already included in a package for holders of season ticket and 10-game plans.